INTERCROPPING OF MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS) AND RICE (ORYZA-SATIVA) WITH BLACKGRAM (PHASEOLUS-MUNGO)

An experiment was carried out during April 1989-August 1990 to evaluate the intercropping of maize (2ea mays L.) and rice (Oryza saliva L.) with blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.). Aus rice ('BR 21'), maize ('Barnali') and blackgram ('Barimash') as sole crops and blackgram as intercrop or strip crop with rice and maize were the treatment variable during early rainy season (summer). Aus rice yield varied from 1.43 to 2.23 tonnes/ha, depending on the treatments. Reduction in yield of rice under inter or strip cropping with blackgram was almost proportional to the land area. Blackgram yield ranged from 0.33 to 0.79 tonne/ha and that of maize from 2.48 to 3.39 tonnes/ha. The highest rice-equivalent yield (3.35 tonnes/ha) and gross return (Rs 14,103/ha) were obtained from maize-paired row (100%) + blackgram rows (44%).